Absolutely you have to go with Nolan Ryan here. You could make the argument that Olajuwon was one of the top 5-10 players in the history of the league, but you could make the same argument for Nolan, and in a sport that's been around more than twice as long and fields a roster almost 4 times the size of an NBA roster. Campbell shouldn't even be in this discussion in my opinion. That's like throwing Gary Payton or Ken Caminiti into the hat.
This is too close to call. All those 34's are great. But I'm betting that many of you never saw Earl in his prime. For the years he was in the league, he was probably the most dominant running back in the NFL. I've never seen a back dish out as much punishment since. Unfortunately, that hard running cut his career short.
You're preaching to the Rockets' Choir. [insert celestial "Aaaaaa!!!" here] I have yet to see Earl's sausage and don't know him as personally as you do... but since you say so... <mills_lane>I'll allow it</mills_lane>!
Dream is the best but I love them all. Is anyone else bothered that none of these guys finished their careers in Houston?
my friends from around the country always laugh when i tell them that houston people feel this way. that houston people think that olajuwon wasn't respected around the country as a true legend.
Damn, you figure somebody with the screen name "PhiSlammaJamma" would be a little more biased towards Hakeem. I think the question was framed pretty well. "Best #34 in Houston sports history" It seems pretty cut and dry. Top 10 all time in points and steals, #11 in rebounds, #1 all time in blocked shots, 1 MVP award, 2 time Defensive Player of the year, and 2 time Finals MVP in 17 years with the HOUSTON Rockets, plus 1 Final Four MVP award and 3 Final Four appearances as a member of the HOUSTON Cougars
Chance, I have never supported the banning of BBS member before, but this post is BBS blasphomy and you shouldn't take it personal if you're run over by an angry mob. Oops, too late
It's not even a question, it doesn't even require any thinking whatsoever: Dream is the greatest thing to happen in Houston sports' history. Hopefully one day we can say the same about T-Mac and Yao (although they might never reach the legend of Dream simply because Dream played college ball in Houston and gave UH its glory days, played and won the ONLY two pro-sport championships in the city's history (of either MLB, NFL, or NBA; i.e. the Big Three sports). Pretty easy choice really, everyone else is a FAR second.
Sheesh, no kidding. I can't believe some of the things being said about Big Earl in this thread. "second tier legend?" I wonder if they're based on never actually seeing him play. As far as the poll goes, my brain says Hakeem but my heart says Earl. Earl is probably my all-time favorite athlete. I guess it has something to do with me being 8 years old when he was in his prime. He was my idol. I had the posters, the lunch kit, the Pony shoes with the flaps (just like him), the t-shirts, the autographed football, the 45' single (Big Earl on side A, Oiler fight song on side B) etc.
Yeah, but Hakeem carried a mediocre team to two NBA titles. Oh well, this poll is starting to reach Reagan/Mondale proportions. Maybe the question should have been "who's the 2nd greatest #34?"
I'll try to be objective, but I don't think there's even much of a question. Hakeem is among the best in league history in pretty much all of the major statistical categories without having to play into his mid-40's. Hakeem almost single-handedly won the city its first title in any professional sport, ever. It's really sad to think about how little the city appreciates the only of its professional teams to ever win a championship. That's not even mentioning Hakeem's career at UH.
